Liars and Tigers Page 8

  After a moment of silence, Misha whispered, "I'm sorry I threw the clock at you."

  He lifted her chin to face him. "I love you. From the minute you screamed obscenities in my face and challenged my position, I loved you," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers. "When you asked me to introduce you to session play, I knew that I wanted you forever in my life."

  "You can't love me. Nobody can love me. Stop—" Misha's eyes widened, as he pressed his tongue between her lips and she found herself responding to him. "I hate you. I don't have a choice. I have to hate you…"

  "You do have a choice," Alex said, stroking the side of her neck with the edge of his fingertips. He felt her shudder, and kissed the same spot. "Stop fighting so hard and let me love you the way you deserve to be loved."

  "I can't, Alex. I can't!"

  "Shhh, yes you can. Don't be afraid," his voice was low as he coaxed her to relax, "everything will be so much better now. Listen to your heart. What is it saying?"

  Misha opened her mouth to his probing and slowly raised her hand to rest against his shoulder as she returned the passionate embrace. "It's at peace," she whispered. "Damn it Alex, you broke me."

  "You were already broken. Now, together, we can build you up to where you are destined to be."

  "This is so wrong."

  "Rodin doesn't seem to think so. Even at his age, he would have protected you from me if he felt you were in danger. Look at him. Tell me about his body language."

  Misha glanced at the cub who was on his side upon the floor, watching the couple with heavily lidded eyes. He yawned and placed his head on the ground, and began to purr loudly. She swallowed. "He's content and feels safe."

  "Which is exactly what you are feeling right now, isn't it?"

  "You just love being right, don't you, Alex?"

  "Yes ma'am, I certainly do," Alex smiled, kissing her again.

  Chapter 9

  Alex gently covered Misha with a sheet, smiling softly as Rodin crawled under it to lie next to her. He was pleased to see that the little cub had been unaffected by the activities he had witnessed. Alex had to remind himself that cats, in general, were very rough in both their play and their mating. Instinct dictated his need to take Misha in hand as a male tiger would have, asserting his dominance and protection. He was concerned, though. She'd acted as though she had never been kissed. The woman was twenty-eight years old, surely… Alex considered her story. If, indeed, it was true, then maybe she had guarded herself from any human intimacy. If so, he had a lot of work to do. First, a phone call.

  "Yo, Boss man? What gives?" Jack answered, turning his TV down.

  "An explanation. I want to know your involvement with Misha. From the beginning. Start with Vegas."

  "What did she tell you?" Jack asked. "The Vegas thing happened eleven years ago. She was just a little kid."

  "She said enough to make me want to hurt somebody. Out with it. And I want details," Alex commanded.

  Jack sighed, sharing his side of the story, including gaining Sen. Hodges' assistance with getting the acceptance to UC Davis. Alex was quiet for a moment once Jack had finished.

  "So she was telling me the truth," Alex stated flatly.

  "If that was the same thing I just told you, then yes. That's why I let her get away with so much in the cages. I told you, she has the touch," Jack said quietly.

  "I've known you since I was a teenager. We've shared everything. How come you never told me all of this?"

  "You knew I worked in Vegas with the tiger show. That was why you wanted me to come help you with the reserve. There was no reason to tell you about Mish."

  "But you pretended you didn't know her when you guys met. Was that to protect her from me?"

  "Why would I feel she needed protection from you? If anything, I wanted to see the two of you get along. I did not deny our relationship—in fact, I warned you that she was a Tiger. That's how I also knew how to make her stay with you by using that little cub. She didn't say anything about her and me because she was afraid you would think she was favored, what with me being her supervisor and all. The kid's got a lot of pride."

  "Not right now she doesn't. She's in bed nursing a very sore, red rump."

  "Shit Alex, what happened?"

  "She shared about her past, and I shared how I felt about her. It was not acceptable, so the little hellion threw an alarm clock at me, after calling me several very unflattering names."

  "I told you she had good aim. You should've listened." Jack chuckled.

  "Where did she get those scars on her thigh?" Alex asked bluntly. "She said she fell off a chain link fence. I'm assuming she lied about that, too."

  "The female white tried to keep her from leaving the den the day I discovered her. Misha got raked pretty badly."

  "Holy crap. What happened when the cats smelled the blood?"

  "That was the odd thing. I went straight to the cabinet for a gun, and returned to find the female licking Misha's wounds. The child was terrified, and that tongue hurt like hell, but she kept her cool. When the tiger released her adopted cub, Misha was able to leave the compound. From that moment on, I knew that little girl had a gift and I intended to nurture it."

  "Do you know why she won't wear a bathing suit?" Alex asked, wondering if Jack would reveal any knowledge of the sculpting issue.

  "Nope. You need to ask her. So, during this interaction with her, was the cub around?"

  "The whole time. He gave no response except yawning. He's sleeping with her now."

  "She's not going to let him go. He's imprinted with her. They're bonded for life," Jack commented.

  "Are you suggesting that I allow her to keep him as a pet? He's going to grow to be at least four hundred pounds and up to nine feet long! With four inch long teeth and some nasty claws," Alex protested. "That is one cat that is not safe roaming freely."

  "Trust me, Boss. His teeth and claws won't be your concern if you try to make her let him go. You have a permit to keep him. Use him to your advantage."

  "What do you mean?" Alex frowned.

  "The permit is in your name and under your address. Not Misha's. She's not going anywhere without her kitty," Jack snickered

  "You old, conniving… And you were worried about my plans?"

  "I want my girl to be happy, but she won't be unless she has someone who can take command of her pride. I've threatened to blister her bottom countless times, but never could bring myself to it. She is a lot like her cats. She needs to be able to respect the strength of her mate but is too damn stubborn to admit to it. She deserves to feel safe and protected for once."

  "That's what I told her. She was not too pleased with me during the spanking, but afterwards, she released her control. She actually thanked me."

  "Good. I told you I knew her best, didn't I?"

  "Yes, you did. I'm impressed."

  "Be impressed after you see how much it costs to feed the cat. You're going to have to design a holding area for him. He is still a wild animal."

  "The cost doesn't bother me. As long as I'm the meal ticket and not the meal, I can afford it," Alex chuckled. "So do you have any idea how to proceed?"

  "Of course. Make Rodin into the reserve's ambassador, and let Misha be his handler. This way, you put a collar on both of them and tame two tigers at once."

  "She would kill both of us if she heard you say that. We both also know that it will take more than a pretty collar to tame that particular tiger," Alex grumbled.

  "My young friend, don't you know that collars come in all shapes, sizes and carats?" Jack laughed.

  "You're not suggesting I marry her! We can barely stay civil half the time. I'm starting to wonder whether I should sleep with my door locked after what I did to her backside today."

  "That's exactly what I'm suggesting. There's nothing like a wedding ring to tame the savage female beast."

  "So why aren't you married?" Alex asked.

  "What? Do you think I have a death wish?"

  ***


  Several hours later, Misha reappeared with Rodin trailing at her heels. He ran straight for the yard to do his business, then went to seek out his litter mates and a meal. Alex offered her a seat across from him on the double porch swing.

  "No, thank you. Alex? I'm so embarrassed. I've never been…" She shook her head.

  "Kissed? Sit down. I insist."

  She paled, and a look of horror flashed across her face. "No, I mean, yes, I mean… fuck." She reddened, as she slowly lowered her aching bottom to the cushioned seat.

  Alex lifted her chin. "I already know you haven't done that, either," he said gently.

  She stuck her tongue out at him and scowled. "Must you continue to humiliate me? I said I was sorry, and promise I won't throw another alarm clock at you again."

  "What about something other than an alarm clock?" he asked with amusement, noticing she had left herself with a loophole.

  Misha wrinkled her nose. "I won't make a promise I can't keep. Being a bitch is a very painful process." She rubbed her tender hindquarters.

  "So you're not angry with me?"

  Misha shook her head. "No, I suppose I deserved it. I can be a bit, uh, difficult at times. I don't like myself very much when I act that way, but I can't help it."

  "Yes, you can help it. You need to learn to respond, not react. I can hold you accountable for the things that you don't much like about yourself, and help you make positive changes. This is a safe place and I think you know I won't harm you."

  "What do you call beating my ass then?" Misha asked sarcastically.

  "A spanking. We are also going to work on that mouth of yours. Bad language isn't very flattering, especially coming from such a beautiful woman."

  "I know Jack hates it," Misha agreed. "But it's how I express myself."

  "We will find a new way to express yourself that is less offensive to the ear. Do we have an agreement? Are we going to work together in helping you move forward and heal some of these old wounds?"

  "Does that mean you are going to keep beating on me?" Misha asked, narrowing her eyes.

  Alex smiled and kissed her on the lips. "Every time I need to."

  "I don't like that. There have got to be other ways of helping me break these bad habits than spanking me like a naughty child."

  "There are, but this is the way I prefer. The solution is simple. Behave yourself."

  "That's easier said than done," Misha pouted.

  Alex chuckled and kissed her again. "Now, I need to discuss something very serious with you. I want your opinion on a very important decision I need to make."

  Misha stared at him. "You want my opinion? Should I feel honored or scared?"

  Alex chose his words carefully. "I value your input, Mish. Don't look so surprised. You are intelligent, resourceful and know this business as well as I do. I'm struggling with a dilemma of purpose. You know my feelings about wild animals in captivity."

  Misha paled again. "You're going to take Rodin away from me, aren't you?" Tears resurfaced.

  "He's six weeks old and weaned from Kena. While we still need to prepare his food, he is able to feed himself and maintain his own body heat," Alex said matter-of-factly.

  "We can't even consider letting him out of the nest until he is at least six months old, and cubs are dependent on their mother until they are at least two years old. To throw him into the lion's den would be a death sentence!" Misha did not hide the panic in her voice. "Please listen to me, I know what I'm talking about."

  "I know you do, which is why I'm putting this on the table. I have tried to think of a way to keep you two together, but you're a caretaker, not a handler. I don't know what other course I can take but to return him to the facility in a couple of months and introduce him to the pride."

  "Tigers do not allow intruders in their dens," Misha said, her voice raised in distress. "If they don't kill him right away, they will when he gets bigger. Please, Alex…"

  "I need some ideas. I'm not qualified to take him to events like Joan Embry used to do for the San Diego Zoo. Even if I hired a handler, this kit is bonded to you, and might turn."

  "Why couldn't I be his handler?"

  "What do you mean?" Alex asked slyly, watching her take the bait. She wasn't a hunter, so she didn't recognize his subtle trapping technique.

  "Like you said, the San Diego Zoo has the zoologists who go around and educate the public about the animals, so why can't we? I'm comfortable with public speaking, and Rodin would definitely be an attraction for sponsorships. You even said a film documentary about him would be something people would want to see. I can promote it."

  "I don't know, Mish. That would be a whole lot of extra work. You'd have to expose him to everything you can think of to avoid a fear-based attack from him. It's too risky."

  "Not if I follow precautions. I can keep him on a body harness and carry a tranquilizer, just in case he does snap. He has a very gentle and relaxed nature, so I don't foresee any real problems if I start working with him now. Please, Alex, give me a chance."

  "Let's say we went that route. We still have the issue about permits. You don't qualify, remember? You need to own a residence compliant with wildlife regulations and have a proven income to handle any expenses, plus liability insurance, a vehicle for transportation…"

  "I could do it under your permit. I mean, I do reside here legally, since I'm paying rent. The facility can insure me under our policy and my truck is big enough to hold a full cage. Since he belongs to the facility, all his expenses are covered. Please, Alex?" Misha pleaded.

  Alex felt a little guilty for leading her on, but reassured himself that it was for her own well-being. "Maybe… but I don't think it would be good for PR if he goes off on something and you can't handle him. He's little right now, but that will change very soon."

  "You can help me train him. It would probably be a good idea for him to respond to someone other than me. It will also give you an excuse to be bossy and controlling," she smiled shyly.

  "Like I ever needed an excuse," Alex laughed. He patted her hand. "Let me think about it. We might have to pull some strings, but we might be able to get it to work. Fish and Game are funny about things like this. It's not like we were married and could share the residential permit." He held his breath as he gauged her reaction to the marriage comment. She did not even blink. Alex exhaled, tapping his finger on his thigh. "Give me some time to think about it. I am just concerned about you in all this, and you know it. You don't exactly follow directions well when it comes to your safety, and that bothers me. I need your promise that you will follow your instructions and mind me."

  "Okay. I'll do whatever I need to. I don't want to lose my kitten. If it means answering to you, then I'll do it. Reluctantly, of course," Misha announced.

  Alex smiled. That wily old Jack was smarter than he looked.

  Chapter 10

  Misha paused as she readied for bed that night, and looked in the mirror to study the bruises marking her still sore bottom. She glanced at Rodin playing with a stuffed toy on her bed. "That man has a hand like a two-by-four! Damn, my ass hurts."

  She laid down next to the cub and played with Rodin's paws, speaking out loud. "He thinks he's so damn smart, too. Does he really believe I am some brainless idiot who he could play around with, acting like the whole handling thing was my idea? I've spent too many years around Jack to know exactly where that strategy came from."

  Rodin grabbed her hand with his claws and began to lick her palm. Misha smiled, scratching him behind his fuzzy ears. "Should I inform Mr. Alexander Hodges that there is a reason male tigers allow the females to feed first? Should I tell him that the females will easily kill the males if they don't step away? I was a sculpted as a Danaid for a reason, kitty. I can be ruthless too, you know." Rodin rolled onto his back and spread his legs for a tummy rub. Misha sighed.

  "Okay, maybe I won't exactly kill him, but I intend to make him miserable for trying to manipulate me. The hunt is on, Mr. Hodges, an
d I intend to come out roaring! You are not the only one on the prowl." Misha tickled the cub's chest. "Damn it, Rodin. I think I'm falling in love with the jerk. What am I going to do?"

  ***

  Jack supervised Misha as she slowly cleaned the tiger den the following Monday. He bit his lip. "Are you okay, girl?"

  "I'm fine, just a little stiff. I slept wrong," she lied.

  "We aren't going to be having anymore target practice from now on, are we? Or lying?" Jack beckoned to her. "Alex told me what happened. Do you need another blistering to ensure you behave yourself?"

  "He deserved it. And what makes you think I'm lying, Jack? I'm sore and stiff, and I slept wrong. What's the big deal?" Misha demanded, trying to hide her embarrassment.

  "So how was your weekend?" he asked, wisely changing the subject as he held the trash bag open for her.

  "Rodin went swimming for the first time. He liked it."

  "Kena actually let him? She can't stand it when Alex gets into the pool, and he isn't her puppy! Did she go after him?"

  "That big slug would sink if she tried to follow. No, she just barked. He did really well. He's also going outside to potty all the time now. We haven't had any spraying, which I am sure Alex appreciates. But he's real young yet and doesn't know about marking his territory."

  "Hopefully you won't have to deal with that; it's stinky stuff. Anything else?"

  "You're awfully interested in my business today. Nothing else. How about you?"

  "Watched the game, drank a beer and slept off my week. It was wonderful."

  "You need to get a life."

  "I have a life." Jack tugged her ponytail playfully.

  "Good, go find it. I have work to do."

  "Don't you go feeding those cats without the stick, young lady. And stay out of that pen unless someone is here to supervise. I mean it," he warned.

  Misha rolled her eyes. "When are you going to accept the fact I won't get hurt? Fine! I won't hand feed them. Lay off."

  "Do it and you'll get a hiding you will feel in the afterlife, missy. I'm not making any idle threats here."